Why choose a driving school?
For many of us, paying a driving school to train a new driver may sound like an unnecessary expense.
Surely your parents or another experienced driver can teach you how to drive a car?
Can combining informal training with a theory book get the job done without spending hundreds of pounds on formal training?
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) requires every new driver to undergo a test of their practical driving skills before they are granted a full drivers licence.
The practical examination is very thorough, testing skills and knowledge to the latest standards which include theoretical facts and driving practices that the average driver never learned or have long forgotten.
Whilst your mum or dad can teach basic skills such as how to pull away, change gears and park, they`re unlikely to teach everything about observation (mirrors, junctions, hazard perception) or exactly which steps to take to check the roadworthiness of the car before driving off.
The DSA marks to detailed criteria so having `general` knowledge is not enough to pass. Driving instructors on the other hand know the syllabus in detail and are aware of all the criteria.
Using a driving instructor has benefits other than just learning the rules. Instructors know how to train, going through a structured step by step process to teach the basics and then moving on to more advanced skills.
An instructor plays an important role in slowly building the learner driver`s confidence, whereas dad may become rather impatient should the car stall or if the wrong gear is used.
Driving instructors will only put a candidate forward for a test if they are sure there is a good chance that they will pass.
All driving instructors need to be DSA registered. An Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) has to meet several criteria set by the DSA which includes passing a practical driving test that is far more stringent than that for normal learners. Because the DSA imposes strict rules on driving instructors there is the assurance that a learner will receive the appropriate training to prepare for the practical test.
An exceptional driving instructor will not only help a learner pass the driving test but will also train them to be a safe driver.
It is worthwhile asking friends or family to recommend an instructor with whom they have had a good experience.
Some instructors offer a free lesson so that the would-be learner can sample the training .
Research by the DSA shows that nine out of ten learners who pass their test the first time were taught by an ADI instructor which is clear evidence that it is worth paying an instructor to get you through the test the first time, saving a lot of heartache and future test fees. Some new drivers also proceed to take the Pass Plus course to further sharpen their driving skills.
It is important to remember that by law all learner drivers need to be insured with a reliable insurer.
Cheap car insurance for new drivers may be a contradiction in terms but a thorough comparison should help in unearthing affordable policies for learner drivers.
Are you a safe driver?
Figures from the Department of Transport show that there were more than 30,000 deaths or serious injuries in the UK during 2007 as a result of road accidents.
Around 25 per cent of these were caused by reckless driving – such as speeding, driving without due care and attention, tailgating, driving while under the influence and driving while disqualified.
Reckless driving can cause accidents and cost lives, which is why it`s vital to keep your composure and always drive safely. The dangers of aggressive driving Letting your temper get the better of you behind the wheel can have disastrous consequences.
According to research by a comparison website, around 300,000 drivers have seen their cars damaged in road rage incidents. On average, 16 per cent of motorists have suffered a road rage incident in the past year – but this number rises even higher for 18- to 34-year-olds, at 19 per cent.
In a survey by Sainsbury`s car insurance, a number of people admitted to aggressive behaviour behind the wheel including four per cent admitting to inflicting road rage on another driver, seven per cent admitting to tailgating and 17 per cent admitting to excessive speeding.
The figures among teen and young drivers are particularly worrying, however. Young male drivers are the biggest cause of death among young women in the UK and almost one in two drivers killed at night is under the age of 25. Indeed crashes involving drivers under the age of 25 killed more than 1,000 people in 2006 and more than a quarter of all teenage drivers are involved in an accident during their first year behind the wheel. While some accidents are unavoidable, a large number could be prevented.
Safe driving tips
• Never drive under the influence as drinking alcohol, even below the legal limit, can slow reaction times and dull vital senses. Drugs should be avoided at all costs – even over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness.
• In a survey by Swiftcover car insurance, four out of five motorists admitted to speeding on the motorway and 61 per cent admitted to doing so in towns. Driving too fast gives you less time to react to unexpected scenarios and is one of the leading causes of road accidents in the UK.
• Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the car in front, and double this in bad weather. Driving close behind someone could be viewed as aggressive or intimidating behaviour.
• Drive courteously and treat other road users with respect and they will generally offer it to you in return.
• Never use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving. A survey by a car insurance company revealed that 66 per cent of motorists still do yet the ban on mobile phones is there for a reason – talking or texting while driving will take your attention off the road and can cause accidents. Always find a safe place to stop if you need to answer or make a call when driving.
• Don`t drive when overly tired. Make sure you get plenty of rest before travelling as fatigue could cause you to nod off and swerve, forcing others to take evasive action or worse.
Get the right car insurance
Taking liberties while driving can have a negative affect on your car insurance premiums.
Two or more speeding offences can increase premiums by as much as 75 per cent.
You should shop around for GOCOMPARE.COM using a comparison website to find a policy that is affordable but also offers a suitable level of cover